English · Common Verbs
refuse
/rɪˈfjuːz/
[/rɪˈfjuːz/]
say no to
Intermediateverb
Definition
To say firmly that you will not do or accept something.
Example
The proud old man would refuse any help, even when he clearly needed it.
The proud old man would refuse any help, even when he clearly needed it.
Etymology
From Old French 'refuser', probably from a blend of Latin 'recusare' and 'refutare'.
How & Where It’s Used
Verb stresses second syllable; the noun (refuse, waste) stresses the first.